[03/22/11 - 12:43 PM]Syfy Ventures Enters Growing Social Games Space Through First Ever Games Publishing BusinessThe first round of games is scheduled for launch later this year.

[via press release from Syfy]

SYFY VENTURES ENTERS GROWING SOCIAL GAMES SPACE THROUGH FIRST EVER GAMES PUBLISHING BUSINESS

SUITE OF HIGH QUALITY GENRE GAMES WILL DEBUT ON FACEBOOK UNDER THE SYFY GAMES BANNER

NEW YORK - March 22, 2011 - Syfy Ventures today announced it is entering the growing social games space by launching its first ever publishing business under the Syfy Games banner.

Available initially on Facebook in the United States -- with further expansion onto other social networks and platforms in Syfy territories worldwide -- the suite of high quality games, completely sponsorable, will embrace the sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, action/adventure, and superhero genres, ranging from original content to games based upon Syfy programming. The first round of games is scheduled for launch later this year.

Marking another first for the channel, Syfy Games will serve as the exclusive publisher of these games in all markets. Syfy Games will work with a select group of independent game developers to bring their concepts to market and establish strong franchises. Syfy Games will also have the opportunity to grow these properties onto other game platforms, and onto Syfy's adjacent television, motion picture, and digital platforms.

This venture builds upon the success of Syfy Ventures' far-reaching and groundbreaking initiatives, from its upcoming TV-based MMO with Trion Worlds to its innovative cross-platform storytelling for THQ's Red Faction: Origins.

"This bold business expansion into games publishing secures a key foundation for the powerful Syfy brand in the burgeoning social games space. By providing our fans on social networks and other platforms with a distinctive, premium gaming experience, we are creating a perfect complement to our existing Syfy Games portfolio," said Dave Howe, President, Syfy.

The worldwide market for social media games is estimated to reach $6.1 billion in 2011, and is projected to rise to $12.1 billion by 2014*.

Launched in 2008, Syfy Ventures serves as the business development and enterprise unit for Syfy, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. Syfy's portfolio of businesses transcends the television screen, and focuses upon next-generation brand extensions, including both media and non-media properties. Syfy Ventures rapidly expanding portfolio includes four major business lines: Gaming, Kids, Online & Mobile, and Consumer Products. Syfy Games is the umbrella brand for Syfy's gaming projects, including the partnerships with Trion Worlds, THQ, and Bigpoint.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 99 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)